Pro Bono for Language Statutory Updates
Pro Publico partnered with Reed Smith’s Brussels office to provide ADRA Europe—the Adventist Development and Relief Agency’s European branch—with vital pro bono legal support. This assistance allowed ADRA to refine and validate its statutes in English, ensuring their operations comply with Belgian law and enhancing their legal foundation for ongoing humanitarian work. ADRA Europe, headquartered in Belgium, coordinates the efforts of 30 ADRA stations across Europe. Together, they work to deliver emergency aid, healthcare, education, and sustainable development to communities most in need.
About ADRA Europe
ADRA is an international religious nonprofit committed to disaster relief and development, with 120 offices worldwide and a European office based in Belgium. Its mission centres on delivering education, improving livelihoods, and advancing health in underserved communities while providing critical disaster response. Recently, ADRA Europe’s efforts included a major response to the 2023 Türkiye earthquake. These programs, grounded in social justice and community empowerment, aim to foster sustainable change by enabling individuals and communities to break cycles of poverty.
Need for a Language Check
To strengthen their operations in compliance with Belgian law, ADRA sought legal expertise to review and refine their statutes in English. This review aimed to ensure accurate legal language and clarity, as their team lacked native English speakers which could assure the legal standing of the translation from French. The support would bolster their compliance and operational standards across their European offices.
The Pro Bono Provider: Reed Smith LLP
Thanks to the coordination of associate pro bono manager Charles Sauvage, the Brussels’ office of the global law firm Reed Smith LLP took on the case with senior associate Isabel Fressynet under the supervision of partner Isabelle Rahman. The firm’s legal expertise, particularly in reviewing and structuring foundational documents, was essential to helping ADRA achieve its goals.
Delivering Pro Bono Expertise
Reed Smith’s team engaged ADRA Europe with an initial meeting to assess their needs thoroughly. Throughout the process, they meticulously examined ADRA’s statutes, focusing on accurate legal translation and terminology to ensure compliance with Belgian legal requirements. The collaboration involved drafting and fine-tuning the documents to align with statutory obligations and improve organisational clarity.
The Outcome: Clear, Compliant Statutes for ADRA Europe
Following Reed Smith’s review, ADRA Europe now has a properly translated and legally compliant set of statutes both in French and English. These updated statutes empower ADRA’s leadership with a sound legal foundation, supporting their critical mission of providing humanitarian aid and advocacy across Europe. Currently, ADRA is in the publication phase of their statutes, a necessary step for legal adherence in Belgium.
Feedback and Impact
ADRA Europe expressed great satisfaction with the pro bono assistance provided by Reed Smith; Jackie Mubedi Ngalula, representing ADRA Europe, shared her appreciation: “The meeting and the detailed questions from Reed Smith made for a clear understanding of our request, on which the lawyers worked with meticulousness and the result speaks for itself. We wholeheartedly recommend this pro bono matchmaking service.”
Video resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCoO5brJMnU
If you are a nonprofit in need of pro bono assistance or a professional looking to offer your expertise, we invite you to contact us.
Thanks to @Charles Sauvage @Isabel Fressynet @Isabelle Rahman @ReedSmithLLP @Jackie Mubedi Ngalula @ADRAEurope @ProPublico @ReedSmithLLP @Francesco Zatelli
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